Top Things to do in Waiheke Island
Things to do in Waiheke Island, North Island: The Best Wineries & Vineyards
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Browse the dozens of art galleries and craft stores of the Waiheke Arts Trail between dips in the emerald waters. Soar above the landscape on a chartered scenic flight, then refuel your engine with a casual beachfront café meal or an upscale, multi-course affair. Waiheke boasts several boutique vineyards, perfect for sipping, sampling and savoring New Zealand’s fine wines.
Restaurants in Waiheke Island
1. Wild on Waiheke
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Your ultimate multi-activity experience! For the adventurous try your hand at our combo of archery right amongst the vines followed by a laser claybird shoot! Based at Wild Estate Vineyard and restaurant, there's also loads of free activities including giant lawngames, petanque and volleyball. Once you've built up an appetite, join us for lunch featuring New Zealand style cuisine of fresh local produce, our famous sharing platters, amazing gourmet pizzas as well as fresh seasonal seafood and salads. Taste wines from our Wild Estate Vineyard or beers from Waiheke Island Brewery located on site or simply relax with a glass or two on the deck. Our restaurant is suitable for couples, families, day visits to the island, corporate groups of all sizes, and wedding functions.
Reviewed By jenjsenior
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Wild on Waiheke! Nice to do something a bit different, loads of fun with the archery & clay bird shootings and the staff were awesome, beautiful food, wine and beer! Great atmosphere! I highly recommend Wild on Waiheke!
2. Obsidian Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Obsidian wines are the true embodiment of their place of origin. Every exquisite glass of Obsidian speaks of this unique terroir, encapsulating not only the character of the weathered soils at Onetangi, home to Obsidian's vineyard on Waiheke Island, but the coastal beauty of the surrounding environment. Tucked away in an amphitheater setting amongst the vines, Obsidian offers wine tastings in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our knowledgeable cellar door staff will take you through a range of Obsidian Reserve & Non-Reserve wines. All are available to purchase in the shop. We're currently just operating on Saturday's and Sunday's 11am to 5pm however please check Google, or our website for the most up to date information on our opening hours. Thank you.
Reviewed By shionac219 - Waiuku, New Zealand
This was the last stop on our winery tour, beautiful wine, brilliant service cannot ask for any more than that!
3. Man O' War Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This lovely winery at the beach on Man O' War Bay is rather out of the way, accessed by a long gravel road - very dusty. However, the trek is worth it because the setting is lovely and the wine, honey and olive oil they have to offer is GORGEOUS! There is a cafe - we didn't eat but ran into some people we kew so were chatting with them while they ate. I think I coud say that I wouldn't choose this for my lunch place on the island but the total experience is certainly very worth the drive. It's a good thing to combine with an expedition to Stoney Batter as it's on the same out of the way end of the island. Lovely.
4. Mudbrick Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By L2624MUjohng - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Picture perfect: you want an incredible setting with panoramic view of Harbour back to the city, high quality accommodation with attention to detail, great food, friendly staff, fun wine tasting experience that went on for hours and top it off with a private spa to end the evening, then the cottage stay package at Mudbirck is hard to beat. An exception way to celebrate our 20th anniversary - may have to make it an annual event
5. Peacock Sky Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Our cellar door and restaurant have now closed to the public. Visit our online shop to order your favorite wines!
Reviewed By I7500WYjm - Cincinnati, United States
We toured a few wineries on Waiheke Island and Peacock Sky was our favorite. The wines were excellent, in fact I ordered some to be shipped home. I finished them so quickly that I ordered more online! Connie had prepared some small bites to accompany the wines, a nice added touch to the experience. I would love to head back someday when things get back to normal.
6. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Kennedy Point Vineyard Celebrating our 21st birthday in 2017, Kennedy Point is still the only certified organic vineyard on Waiheke Island. Wild yeast coming in with the harvest helps ensure our small batch, basket pressed wines truly reflect the unique beauty of our island paradise. Our mission is to take gentle care of this beautiful land to allow healthy vines to produce amazing wines. Our world famous Syrah is the obvious star of our cellar door but there are plenty of unsung heroes as well including the exquisitely crafted Cuvee Eve Chardonnay. The Cabernet Franc and Malbec are also worth visiting for. We only make those two if the year has been exceptional. Open every day from 11am to 4pm for lunch and tastings of our organic wine, olive and avocado oils and our Manuka and Pohutukawa honey.
Reviewed By reneEEW5315RC - Auckland, New Zealand
We had no idea about this place, it was part of a recommendation from Nikki @Waiheke tours. This place was just stunning, Peter was gorgeous ...loved the genuine, knowledgeable and friendly experience. You experience all that's great about their stunning location, excellent wines, HONEY, Olive oil and Avacado oil. This vineyard understands its unique relationship to the island and to their land and nature. You get a sense of their connection and history to the Hauraki Gulf. Thank you for a beautiful morning
7. Podere Crisci Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Jogregson
We come to Waiheke every year as kiwis who live in the uk. This year the service at every restaurant, vineyard or cafe has been BAD. We came to Poderi Crisci for a long lunch and were annoying customers....we turned up early and were only three people of an original six person booking and one of us was a 3 year old nightmare! Well, we were looked after so well here, food was amazing, service was excellent and not one bit of upset caused by our ever changing needs. I can’t recommend this place enough. The setting is amazing!! Thank you for a wonderful long lunch and taking such good care of us. We love this place so much and any trip to the island isn’t complete without a visit to this place. But don’t tell anyone, it’s the island’s best kept secret.
8. Te Motu Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By dogdadler
This winery has a wonderful vibe - the wine is delicious and the rolling hills provide the perfect backdrop for some afternoon drinking. The waitress was extremely friendly and personable. I would highly recommend this spot!
9. Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
The newest edition to Auckland’s vineyard destinations has been honored with international accolades for our estate-grown wines, plus national awards in architecture and design, building craftsmanship, cuisine and dining. The idyllic sloping vineyards of the family owned Tantalus Estate are located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley - a gentle picturesque twenty-acre vineyard in Waiheke’s renowned wine growing region. Complete with olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen gardens, native trees and boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a destination not to be missed.
Reviewed By KiwiKerry53 - Wellington, New Zealand
Very cool place providing a home to a micro brewery underneath the restaurant and wine tasting area, I loved the ambience - fabulous light fittings, good wine and warm and welcoming surroundings. I really loved this place. I think one should spend the day here! Lovely gardens, views of the vines and a great atmosphere.
10. Awaroa Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Vineyard tasting room. Wine tasting, food platters, wine by the glass and bottle to drink on site.
Reviewed By Waivino - Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Great wines made with soul. You can't get more Waiheke than Awaroa Winery. The setting is so peaceful and the staff obviously love what they do.
